imaginative

adjective

i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
Definition of imaginativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imaginative The 474-piece kit includes the princess’ iconic blue dress on a display stand with hidden rooms, accessories, and minifigures for imaginative play. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 For children, the backyard is a place of wonder, suitable for imaginative play of all types. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 The chef’s love for British ingredients and imaginative flavor profiles, coupled with the fact that its menu is entirely dairy- and gluten-free makes its offering quite unique. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 Del Toro remains one of Hollywood’s most imaginative visual entertainers, and the prospect of visiting his long-dormant underworld later in 2026 promises not just fresh nostalgia but maybe even total immersion. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
  1. inventive
  2. innovative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • If American music in 1976 represented a collective, inquisitive, inventive American spirit of discovery, the semiquincentennial in the age of social media has become more about the individual identity.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Using premium ingredients and modern cooking techniques, the team serves up classic BBQ staples alongside inventive takes on fan-favorite dishes.
    — RS Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Inspired by the effects of microneedling, natural Dermal Micro-points innovative collagen-boosting gel formula mimics some of the benefits of the procedure, without the needles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • But over the last year, there’s been more interest in its innovative possibilities.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • In her new memoir Famesick, Dunham wrote a message to Swift, saying much of the book's creative process was soundtracked by her music.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Their wedding ceremony looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture, designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • So began a clever tradition in which clothes dryers, rotisserie ovens, popcorn machines and other gadgets replaced the bassist’s conventional amp stacks.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • In a clever nod to the regional speciality of porcelain, it’s all served on plates by local makers Bernardaud, decorated by the artist Marco Brambilla.
    — James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Defensively strong enough to stifle their talented attackers, with the technical ability to pierce their backline on the counter.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • But laziness, alcoholism and a lack of talent led Marx to conclude that for people like himself, the only way to achieve success was to take (steal) wealth from those more talented and ambitious.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
Definition of talented

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imagination
imaginative
imaginativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of imaginative for Spanish Speakers

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